Research Scholars
CSB is grateful to collaborate with experts both within and outside of NYU on topics ranging from finance to marketing, contributing to its research on the business case for sustainability.
Ulrich Atz is a Research Fellow at the Center for Sustainable Business and part of the NYU Stern Doctoral Program in Accounting. In his prior role as Associate Researcher, he provided quantitative expertise and co-authored the article on the Return on Sustainability Investment (honored with a "best paper" award). His research interests cover sustainability disclosures and ESG information, financial and business innovation, and statistical methods for interpreting data.
He also served as the Chief Measurement & Technology Officer at NYU’s HUMAN Project, a research platform and mHealth startup until its launch as a private company. Before moving to New York City, he worked at the Open Data Institute (ODI), a world-leading organization advocating for the innovative use of open data. As Startup Programme Manager, he grew the number of incubated startups from 25 to 52 and oversaw the ODI's involvement at the Open Data Incubator for Europe, a €7.8M EU Horizon 2020 project. Over the years, he has trained and consulted hundreds of people on data, statistics, and innovation. He holds a Diploma (BSc + MSc) in Economics from the University of Mannheim and an MSc in Social Research Methods (Statistics) from the London School of Economics. He grew up in South Tyrol, a bilingual region in the Italian Alps.
Alessandro Carlucci is a Senior Research Scholar at CSB and is currently Chairman of Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), Chairman of Arrezo & Co., and Executive in Residence at Columbia University. He worked 25 years for Natura Cosmeticos and during his tenure as CEO from 2005 to 2014, Natura’s net income has grown fourfold, reaching R$ 7 billion, becoming the biggest CFT and Direct Selling company in Brazil. The International business grew with a CAGR of 35%, with the openings of the Mexico and Colombia operations. Among several social and environmental highlights, the company has become "carbon neutral", reduced 33% of relative CO2 emissions between 2007 and 2013, was recognized as one of the most sustainable companies in the world, and the most admired company in Brazil for 9 years in a role. He also served as Board Member of Lojas Renner from 2015 to 2017, Member of Itaú/Unibanco Advisory Board from 2013 to 2015, Member of Alcoa Advisory Board (Latin America) from 2012 2014, Board Member of Redecard from 2010 to 2013, and Chairman of World Federation Direct Selling Association (WFDSA) from 2011 to 2014. He has a degree in Business from FGV (Brazil-SP) an Executive MBA from PDG and Executive Programs at Kellogg's, Insead and Wharton. He was born in Brazil, lived three years in Argentina, and since 2015 lives in NYC.